Work in progress - from 'live' to 'online': a feasibility study

The Web based training program developed by the national education group (NETg) was adapted to substitute for lectures in an introductory computer course. This change from a traditional lecture format to an online format was initiated in order to lessen graduate assistants' teaching workload in the heavily enrolled general education computer skills courses as well as to enhance students' hands-on experience in using computer software programs. This paper reports on our study of the feasibility of incorporating this adapted online program as a content delivery component. Students in an introductory computer course were given the option to complete the course requirements online without any attendance requirement. Analysis of outcomes showed no significant differences between the students who attended class only and the students who studied online only in their ability to complete the assignments. Analysis of student surveys revealed a dislike for the online format and a desire that face-to-face education not be abandoned.